The Pool at The Beverly Hilton

"On the pool level, it's hard to beat the nostalgia of a pupu platter and Scorpion Bowl at the tiki-fied Trader Vic's Lounge, and the retro-chic Circa 55 restaurant is a visual stunner"

"Diners can take their meals outside by the pool or inside on occasional rainy days"

"Its huge pool and name-brand fitness center ably compete with the leisure facilities at more expensive hotels, but its restaurant and bars don't"

"This prominent, geometric white hotel at the corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards has a pool and gym, plus in-room plasma TVs, boutique decor and balconies"

"The Aqua Star Spa offers a string of upscale treatments; unusually for a hotel in this part of town, the heated pool is big enough to swim in"

"Circa 55 restaurant serves market fresh, classic California cuisine in a poolside setting"

"Cabana buffs chill by the pool awaiting more cooling mist and hairless boys"

"The lobby's mile-high ceiling and its 1,400-gallon salt-water aquarium may wow you, but so will the hotel's more pragmatic side: WiFi can be accessed throughout the hotel, even at the enormous Aqua Star pool, a favorite of sunning executives"

"The Wilshire Tower rooms with balconies also have the best views, while those interested in a poolview room should book early; the latter units are the most popular"

"The bar exudes retro glamour, the lushly landscaped pool still cools A-listers, and the gym and spa keep everyone fit and groomed"